Anal Cancer Survival Rate

Anal cancer survival rate is quite good as compared to that in other kinds of cancers detected in the human body. It is very high in the first or the initial stages where the tumors are still in the developmental stages. The survival rate is almost same in both males and females and usually depends on timely detection, diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Anal cancer survival rate concept

Anal cancer survival rate is basically the chances of survival of a patient after taking proper and timely treatment to cure cancerous development in the anus. It also indicates the chances of survival of a person depending upon the stage and intensity of the cancerous tumors.

Survival rate of anal cancer is very important for prognosis and it indicates the efficiency of medical treatments to cure the disease successfully. Usually, most of the cancer cases related to anus are detected in the late stages as the victim ignores some of the vital symptoms. Most important indications like anal infection, anal injuries and ulcers that do not heal by normal medication, abdominal pain and problems in the digestive system, pains during passage of stools and unnatural bleeding or discharge in the anus are ignored by most of the patients. Thus, the cancerous development takes place at a greater pace and leaves little hopes for proper cure.

Early detection and thorough diagnosis is one of the major causes of a fair survival rate of cancer in the anus. Life expectancy of anal cancer depends directly on the intensity and nature of tumors. The rate may go well above 90% if the tumors are detected in the non-cancerous stages. Also, it is easy to successfully cure the primary anal cancer as compared to the secondary one as metastasis is the major concern in the secondary cancer of the anus.

Anal cancer survival rate dimensions

Various factors play an important part in deciding the survival rate of anal cancer patients. Detection of anal cancer in the initial stages and right pattern of treatment are the most important factors in better cure of the disease. Family history of the disease also affects the chances of survival of the patient and a thorough medical examination is necessary to keep a check on the cancerous development. The disease is less common in men as compared to women. Thus, women should be more careful about the causes and symptoms of anal cancer and undergo a detailed medical examination for even the slightest of the indications. Also, the risk of being infected by the disease is higher after the age of 45 years and increases with age. Survival rate can be high if the disease is treated in young age.

Presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body and indulging in anal sex reduce the survival rate considerably and must be treated in time. Also, poor hygiene in the anal areas and weak immune system can decrease the survival rate of the patient as the cells become more prone to cancerous infections in such cases. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and other sexually transmitted diseases create conditions favorable for cancerous cells to develop freely and severely impact the chances of survival.

Balanced diet along with regular consumption of nutrients, vitamins and proteins is highly advantageous in improving the immune system. Vegetables, salads and fresh fruits should be given high priority in diet. Avoid too many sex-partners and have a safe and healthy sex-life.

Current status of anal cancer survival rate

Survival rate is usually calculated by estimating the chances of survival of the patient for around 5 years after being treated for the cancerous infection. The survival rate differs from person to person depending upon his response to the treatment. Also, the rate of survival is different for squamous and non-squamous forms of anal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, survival rate is the highest in the first stage with 59% and 71% for non-squamous and squamous types, respectively. In the second stage, the rate falls to 53% and 64% while in stage 3A, the rate is 38% and 48% respectively for non-squamous and squamous cancers in the anus. In stage 3B, the rate dips further to 24% and 43% while in the last or fourth stage, the rate becomes considerably low at 7% and 21% respectively for non-squamous and squamous anal cancer.

The rate of survival may vary from person to person and the reliability of diagnosis techniques used to examine tumors. Digital rectal exam (DRE), endoanal ultrasound, proctoscopy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, endoscopy and anoscopy are some of the most reliable techniques to diagnose tumors.

Anal cancer survival rate can be high if correct line of treatment is undertaken and thorough medical supervision is practiced. Surgery is the most reliable method to treat pre-cancerous or early tumors and can eliminate them completely. Radiation therapy and chemical treatment is usually prescribed in the advanced stages of the cancer where a high-intensity treatment is necessary. These treatments have high side effects and may put a bad impact on the patient's body. They may also affect the survival rate of the victim.